The appearance of Kim Jong-Un, son of North Korean ruler Kim Jong-il, in headgear often seen on his father’s head has sparked speculation regarding succession in the reclusive communist state, reports the AFP. Jong-un is his father’s youngest son and the clear apparent. He was elevated to senior positions in the military and ruling party late last year. The headgear was worn on a visit to an art studio in the country’s capital of Pyongyang over a week ago.A defector told media that :” It's an unwritten rule that nobody else can wear such a hat. So if Kim ...

In most parts of the world, princes wear crowns to denote their status as heir to the throne. And it is the presumed successor to the ailing Kim Jong Il who is wearing it. By such minuscule details do observers read the political tea leaves in Pyongyang, where Kim's designated successor, his portly youngest son Kim Jong Un, has suddenly begun stepping out in the same luxurious headgear as his father. According to North Korean defectors, until this month only the Dear Leader was entitled to wear a particular brand of handcrafted otter-fur hat, with earflaps, while his minions ...

North Korea leader Kim Jong Il, left, walks by his son Kim Jong Un
Photo: AP
The 28-year-old son of the ailing Kim Jong-il was promoted to vice chairman of the North's most senior decision making body, the National Defence Commission, the Chosun Ilbo newspaper in Seoul said, citing anonymous sources familiar with the situation. Analysts said the promotion – which comes after Kim Jnr was last year appointed as a four-star general and vice chair of the politically influential Central Military Commission – would appear to again confirm Jong-un as North ...